Via Francigena

Look how the original pilgrims
travelled – by horseback if they could afford it. Bev is doing the modern
equivalent – travelling by open-topped car. However, not being too concerned
about historical accuracy, the roof will be up if the weather dictates.

The Via Francigena was first mentioned in the 3rd century and is Europe's
oldest route of pilgrimage. After leaving England, it winds through Arras and Reims
(France) and Lausanne (Switzerland) before reaching Tuscany and some of Italy's
most beautiful landscapes, before heading down to Rome, the eternal city.

The earliest map of the road was made in around 990 by Sigeric the Serious,
the then Archbishop of Canterbury, who made the pilgrimage to Rome to receive
his pallium (ecclesiastical vestments.)

Start

End

Via

Distance
(miles)

Comments

Canterbury

Calais

Dover

19

The original pilgrims did not have a
tunnel, so the ferry is the right way to cross the Channel.

Calais

Arras

Wissant

77

Wissant, not Calais, was the old
port for crossings from Britain to France.

Arras

Reims

118

Reims

Besancon

212

Besancon

Lausanne

84

Lausanne

The Great St Bernard Pass

78

Great St Bernard Pass

Vercelli

123

Vercelli

The Passo della Cisa

152

Passo della Cisa

Lucca

87

Lucca

Siena

75

Siena

Rome

159

We expect to have set off by 24th
September, and for the journey down to take about 11 days, with plenty of stops
to see the sights and drive beautiful routes.